Living Space has handed all 38 affordable homes at Telford’s new Malcolm Randle Close development over to The Wrekin Housing Group. The brownfield site in Malinslee has been transformed into a £6m eco-efficient scheme, where 30% of the homes are installed with Solar PV panels and battery storage to generate significant energy savings.
Solihull-based Living Space assembled the land for the 2.1-acre site, secured Full Planning consent and delivered the construction contract in its entirety. Located off Park Road, all of the new homes have now been handed over to The Wrekin Housing Group, ready for tenants to move into. The 38 purpose-designed modern dwellings are being let at an affordable rent, which is at least 20% below standard local market rents.
The high-quality scheme has been named after the late Malcolm Randle, who served on Great Dawley Town Council, and was the mayor from 2018 until his death in March 2020.
Paul Breen, Managing Director of Living Space, said: “We are thrilled to have concluded all construction works at the Malcolm Randle Close scheme. This was our third development in Telford, and our second working in partnership with The Wrekin Housing Group. We are proud of the excellent site and supply chain management from our experienced team, and it is very rewarding to see Wrekin’s residents move into the new homes.
“This much-needed housing scheme safeguarded and created new employment opportunities for Telford at a time when there was significant uncertainty, caused by Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions. We are pleased that it is also one of three Living Space developments that benefit from the installation of solar PV roof panels. The 11 homes here which have this feature could enable residents to make savings of around 35% off their electricity bills.”
Photovoltaic panels and batteries have been installed onto the roofs of the new family homes, thanks to funding secured by The Wrekin Housing Group. The low-maintenance energy solution will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the new households and lower electricity bills. The roof panels are very low maintenance and have a life span of around 25 years. Smart generation meters in each home enable the residents to monitor the amount of solar power that is produced. Setting timers for large appliances such as washing machines to come on during the daytime — when the most renewable energy will be generated — can help to maximise the potential savings.
The accommodation mix for the Malcolm Randle Close development comprises four one-bedroom maisonettes, nine two-bedroom houses, 21 three-bedroom houses, two two-bedroom bungalows and two three-bedroom bungalows. Six of the properties have been purpose-designed for disabled residents. The site density is 44 dwellings per hectare, which is lower than the overall density for the local area. The scheme has been constructed in red brick with striking rendered features, and all 38 homes have designated parking provision.
Wayne Gethings, Group Chief Executive at The Wrekin Housing Group, commented: “Malcolm Randle Close is another excellent example of how partnership working can help us to achieve our aims of developing the good quality, affordable housing that Telford needs. We are delighted to have completed the handover of these properties, all of which have now been let at an affordable rent, and will make a real difference to the lives of the people moving in. I am especially pleased that the road has been named after Malcolm, who did so much for the residents and the town over many years. This is a fitting recognition for his outstanding contribution.”
Stephen Williams, Development Project Manager for The Wrekin Housing Group, said: “Developments like this one have a key role to play in helping us meet our target of achieving net zero carbon by 2050. Crucially at a time when people in our communities are facing financial pressure, this scheme will benefit our tenants through reduced electricity bills, homes that are more comfortable to live in, and provide improved energy efficiency. We are very pleased to have partnered with the team at Living Space to provide good quality, affordable homes for local people in Telford.”
The architect for the scheme was Birmingham-based residential design specialist BM3. Waldeck Consulting was the Employers Agent, Couch Consulting was the Engineer, and MV Kelly the Civils Contractor.
